Pinay teen's first single a hit in Spain

By Sandra Sotelo, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau correspondent

SPAIN – A Barcelona-based Filipina teenager is making a name for herself in Spain after her first single "Sha la la" was a hit in radio and television programs.

Maria Sagana continues to receive good reviews in Spain after her single landed on the Top 40 Music Charts and is steadily competing with well-known local and international artists.

"Ang sarap ng feeling na marami akong nare-receive na support from both Filipinos at Spanish. It really makes me strong. Imagine, yung biggest radio station, 40 Principales, they are promoting my music! And I am in many different write-ups sa Spanish press. Nakakatuwa!” she said.

Her video teaser received more than 50,000 views on its premiere.

She has been invited to attend a TV series premiere night and an artist's photo shoot. She has even flown all the way to Madrid for press interviews and meetings with production people, who want to get to know the girl and the talent behind the success of "Sha La La".

Sagana has just turned 16 years old. She attends high school and combines academic studies with her voice lessons.

She started taking up singing lessons when she was 9. Her sister, Jackie Sagana, a music artist and composer herself, is her prime inspiration and model.

Jackie used to have her own music group and so her sister grew up tagging behind her in concerts, rehearsals, jam sessions with friends and families.

"I practically grew up with karaoke filling my home," the girl said.

Sagana is also active in school programs and activities in the Filipino community.

At the age of 14, she already caught the eye of some music and TV producers as her first song “Ready to Love” released via iTunes, was played several times as background song in a famous Spanish TV series.